KIRKUS REVIEW

Lily faces new trials against the
ever enigmatic Lillian, the monstrous Woven, and, to her surprise, her own
morality.

Three months after her disappearance
from our world in Trial by Fire (2014),
Lily re-emerges severely burned, barely alive, and with her Outlander
companion, Rowan, in tow. Rowan toils to save his beloved witch, brewing
magical concoctions with the help of a bewildered Juliet. While they work, Lily
drifts in the Mist and mindspeaks with Lillian, experiencing her enemy’s
painful memories. Lillian wants Lily to understand why she’s become a murderer;
she believes her truth will bring Lily over to her side. Old friends seek out
Lily, and they’re just as drawn to her as her mechanics in the other universe
were. This is a boon, since she’s soon under attack from the other universe as
Lillian realizes only violence will bring her back. Lily learns the hard way
that decisions in war aren’t so simple and that those she holds dearest will
silence her if she dares challenge their beliefs. Much time is devoted to the
intricacies of both Lily’s and her mechanics' talents, deepening intrigue of
the parallel world and its social hierarchies. While Rowan is so nearly perfect
readers will tire themselves out wondering when he’ll reveal his flaws, Lily’s
evolution is thrilling, and readers will eagerly follow her into battle, just
like her devoted mechanics.

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